Rampant Red's Shared Thoughts on.............

The Wallpaper Book by Genevieve Brunet

Published 2012 Thomas & Hudson in London

It seems fitting that I open my review with a quote from Genevieve Brunet, as it speaks to why wallpaper and how it really it not just as I describe dressing on the wall, but it has a deeper foundation in our daily living space and that of the designer palette. Genevieve says, ".........proved extraordinary creative medium, a forum of decoration that bridges the spaces between art, craftsmanship, and industry. It changing textures, colours and motifs have not been chance developments; even before the advent of modern design studios wallpaper was already foreshadowing social change, embracing new technology and anticipating fashion."

The Wallpaper Book is one I have now checked out of my local library on more than two occasions, and each time I learn something new as I open at whim reading forward and back through the text and studying the pattern papers. The book begins with the history of wallpaper and how the explorations of the Silk Road China silks murals inspired so many early wallpapers. Not only then but continues today as wallpaper is continually influenced by our society then translated into art and design, covering all time periods from wars to times of pop culture followed by many influences of today captured in paper.....wallpaper! The Wallpaper book covers the patterns of some of the greats such as William Morris, Andy Warhol, and Vivienne Westwood and new designs of Veaemsch like 'RoundezVouz'. I think this is why I too am drawn to wallpaper, with my art background its the canvas spread on an entire wall - its amazing! Like art wallpaper will not just going bring colour and pattern to a house it will also make a statement that works for country, modern, traditional, contemporary and transitional design styles. Reading this book will give you insight to wallpaper, and I am sure you will look at it differently and possibly be bold enough to dress a wall or two!

We all have bucket lists of places to travel, and in reading The Wallpaper Book I have learned of the Musee du Papier Peint or Museum of Wallpaper in Rixheim France. This is designer must visit when touring France, as it not only houses machinery and papers dating back to the 17th century - it has permanent wallpaper collections. It must be an amazing palette of colour to dwell in!

This book is truly a designers dream to look at, its compilation covering the beginning of wallpaper through to the colour and patterns galore of today. Accompanied by over 200 illustrations I have enjoyed reading this book over a cup of coffee, and in the evening perusing articles defining the wallpapers over a glass of wine. If you are like me, I look for go to and real books of reference in my home design studio office.....this is one for the shelf! I would rate this book 10 out of 10. I can easily see The Wallpaper Book inspiring your design projects, as I can in mine. Even if you are not a designer, but an enthusiast it makes the most delish coffee table book......so yes I am looking at ordering a copy! Also note that it is a fantastic reference and resource tool with its noted wallpaper collections, bonus of directory that includes designer contact information and website of wallpaper houses.

I want to close this review quoting Genevieve Burnet, "We may fall in and out of love with wallpapers as the decades roll by, but somehow the affair never truly ends".

I couldn't have said it better myself.........#myloveaffaircontinues

Cheers Dharlings your Design Expert,

Photos from The Wallpaper Book